Andes Peaks & Caribbean Rapids: 2-Day Colombian Adventure

Andean Trails & Canyons

Medellín, Colombia
Morning

Begin early at 7:00 AM with a guided hike in Parque Arví (reachable by metro cable from Santo Domingo Savio station). Meet your eco-guide at the Arví entrance and take the 45-minute cable ride with scenic city-to-forest views, then embark on a 3-hour mixed trail hike through cloud-forest sections, pre-Hispanic archaeological sites, and birdwatching stops. Expect moderate-to-strenuous terrain with short steep sections and several lookout points over the Aburrá Valley.

Afternoon

After returning to El Poblado for lunch (around 1:00 PM), transfer by private minivan (about 45–60 minutes) to the Medellín outskirts for an afternoon canyoning/abseiling session in the nearby Rio Claro tributaries or local canyons (organized tour departs ~3:00 PM). Spend roughly 3 hours rappelling down rock faces, scrambling over boulders, and riding short natural water slides under guide supervision.

Evening

Conclude the day back in Laureles or El Poblado around 7:30–8:00 PM. Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant offering grilled trout or bandeja paisa, then relax with a rooftop bar view or prepare gear for the next day. Optional brief evening walk in Parque Lleras for nightlife if energy remains.

Parque Arví Guided Hike + Metro Cable
4 hours

COP 70,000

Canyoning / Rappelling Tour (half-day)
3 hours

COP 220,000

Dinner and Rooftop Relaxation
2 hours

COP 50,000

Climb, Paddle & Colorful Towns

Guatapé / Peñol area (Antioquia), Colombia
Morning

Depart Medellín early (around 7:00 AM) by private transfer or shared van to Guatapé/El Peñol (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours). Upon arrival, tackle the famous Piedra del Peñol climb first—climb ~740 steps to the summit for panoramic views of the reservoir and islands; allow 1–1.5 hours including photos and descent.

Afternoon

At midday board a rented kayak or join an active boat excursion (from 11:30 AM–12:00 PM) to explore the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir: paddle between small islands, practice quick-water paddling techniques, and stop for a picnic on a small islet. Total water activity time ~3 hours. After paddling, stroll through the colorful zócalos of Guatapé town for 30–45 minutes and grab a late-afternoon coffee and empanadas.

Evening

Return to Medellín in the early evening (depart around 5:00 PM, arrive ~7:00 PM). If energy allows, finish with a relaxed soak or massage in El Poblado to ease muscles (book ahead) and enjoy a celebratory dinner sampling regional craft beer or local rum-based cocktail.

Piedra del Peñol Summit Climb
1.5 hours

COP 30,000

Kayak Rental or Guided Reservoir Tour
3 hours

COP 120,000

Guatapé Town Walk & Snack
1 hour

COP 25,000

Evening Massage / Recovery Session
1 hour

COP 90,000

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